2002-11-03 - Passages about Inspirational Women

Part 10 - Dorcas

Even after Dorcas had died (though God later used Peter to bring her back
to life), her generosity and diligent work were inspirational. She used her
talents (sewing, in this case) to bless God's people. Our Lord has gifted
all of us, and even the less "glamourous" gifts are vital to the body of
Christ. As 1 Corinthians 12 reminds us, God intends that we use our gifts
to benefit others, as Dorcas did.

Acts 9:36-43 (The Message) Peter went off on a mission
to visit all the churches. In the course of his travels he arrived in Lydda
and met with the believers there. He came across a manhis name was
Aeneaswho had been in bed eight years paralyzed. Peter said, ?Aeneas,
Jesus Christ heals you. Get up and make your bed! And he did itjumped
right out of bed. Everybody who lived in Lydda and Sharon saw him walking
around and woke up to the fact that God was alive and active among them.

Down the road a way in Joppa there was a disciple named
Tabitha, Gazelle in our language. She was well-known for doing good and helping
out. During the time Peter was in the area she became sick and died. Her
friends prepared her body for burial and put her in a cool room.

Some of the disciples had heard that Peter was visiting
in nearby Lydda and sent two men to ask if he would be so kind as to come
over. Peter got right up and went with them. They took him into the room
where Tabitha's body was laid out. Her old friends, most of them widows,
were in the room mourning. They showed Peter pieces of clothing the Gazelle
had made while she was with them. Peter put the widows all out of the room.
He knelt and prayed. Then he spoke directly to the body: Tabitha, get
up.

She opened her eyes. When she saw Peter, she sat up. He
took her hand and helped her up. Then he called in the believers and widows,
and presented her to them alive.

When this became known all over Joppa, many put their
trust in the Master. Peter stayed on a long time in Joppa as a guest of Simon
the Tanner.